The Ritz, Ilkeston formally recognised as an Asset of Community Value

Credit: Ritz Collective

The New Ritz Collective is celebrating after Erewash Borough Council officially listed The Ritz as an Asset of Community Value (ACV). The Collective has described it as a significant milestone in efforts to bring the landmark building back into meaningful community use.

For the Collective, the decision is recognition that The Ritz isn’t just an iconic building. It is an important part of Ilkeston’s heritage, with the potential to play an equally important role in its future.

The group’s vision is to transform The Ritz into a vibrant venue that serves the whole community, hosting everything from live entertainment, community events, markets, workshops, and celebrations.

By bringing more people into the town centre throughout the year, the Collective believes The Ritz could help support nearby cafés, pubs, restaurants and independent businesses, and give residents another reason to spend time in Ilkeston.

An Asset of Community Value listing does not transfer ownership of the building or prevent it from being sold. However, if the owner decides to sell, eligible community organisations have the right to trigger a six-month period and are given time to prepare a bid to purchase the building.

Imogen Connelly, Director of The New Ritz Collective said: “This is such an important moment, not just for our group, but for Ilkeston. Like so many people in Ilkeston, we’ve walked past The Ritz for years and saw such an iconic building sitting empty, with no obvious future and so much potential. That’s why we’re trying to do something about it.

“This decision gives us even more confidence to keep working towards a future where The Ritz is once again a place that Ilkeston can be proud of. We believe our town deserves somewhere like this, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to help make that happen.”

Since forming, The New Ritz Collective has been working with local residents, partner organisations and stakeholders to explore options for the building’s long-term future.

The group says the ACV listing provides further momentum as discussions continue.

The Collective has thanked everyone who has supported their campaign, describing the decision as “a positive step forward” and reaffirming its commitment to working towards a future that delivers lasting benefits for Ilkeston.